The Advantages of Rectangular Titanium Cage(RABEA) Fusion after Anterior Cervical Discectomy: Comparative Study of Fibula Allograft.

Lee, Chang Ju; Rhee, Dong Youl; Heo, Weon; Yoon, Jae Woong; Park, Hwa Sung

Original Article

Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society 2004;36(6): 448-453.

Chang Ju Lee, Dong Youl Rhee, Weon Heo, Jae Woong Yoon, Hwa Sung Park

Department of Neurosurgery, Wallace Memorial Baptist Hospital, Busan, Korea. rdy@wmbh.co.kr

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE
To study the safety and efficacy of using rectangular titanium cage(RABEA) for anterior cervical fusion, we have compared the results of fusion performed by using fibula allograft and RABEA cage. METHODS: Total of 74 patients with single level cervical discectomy were included in this study. Allogenic fibula bone graft alone was done in 38 patients and RABEA cage was inserted in 36 patients. Retrospective clinical analysis was based on review the symptoms and radiological findings on both two groups at postoperative 12 months. RESULTS: Solid fusion was achieved in 95% of patients who received rectangular titanium cage and 74% of patients who received fibula allograft. According to Odom's criteria, 92% of patients were found to have excellent or good results in the RABEA cage group and 68% of patients in allograft group. Functional outcome was assessed according to Odom's criteria and patient's postoperative satisfaction index(PSI). Better clinical outcome and solid fusion could be achieved by rectangular titanium cage fusion than allogenic fibula graft after single level anterior cervical discectomy. CONCLUSION: We believe that RABEA cage is an effective and safe cervical fusion substitute for single level cervical fusion after discectomy.

Key Words: Cage; Fusion; Cervical discectomy